VIVO AND NBA CHINA ANNOUNCE MARKETING PARTNERSHIP EXPANSION

- Vivo to Become the Presenting Partner of the NBA China Games from 2018 to 2020 -

BEIJING, Sept. 30, 2018 – NBA China and Vivo, a leading smart phone manufacturer and the Official Smartphone of NBA China, today announced a multiyear expansion of their partnership that will make Vivo the Presenting Partner of the NBA China Games from 2018 to 2020.  The NBA’s partnership with Vivo began prior to the 2016-17 NBA season.

Vivo will activate around the games in China with brand inclusion within the official NBA China Games logo, oncourt branding and in-arena signage.  The NBA China Games 2018 will feature the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers playing on Oct. 5 in Shanghai at the Mercedes-Benz Arena and on Oct. 8 in Shenzhen at the Shenzhen Universiade Center.

As part of the NBA China Games, Vivo will also serve as an official partner of NBA Fan Day, which will provide thousands of fans with the opportunity to participate in oncourt games and watch the Mavericks and 76ers conduct basketball activities and skills competitions.

Vivo will also become an associate partner of NBA Cares community projects during the NBA China Games in Shanghai and Shenzhen, joining hands with the league to give back to local communities in China.

“The NBA is delighted to expand our partnership with Vivo,” said NBA China CEO Derek Chang.  “Through Vivo’s innovative products and activations, including at the NBA China Games, we will provide fans in China with more access to the NBA while continuing to grow the game across the country.” 

“Vivo is excited to officially become the Presenting Partner of the NBA China Games.  We believe the great partnership with the NBA will provide us with tremendous opportunities to grow,” said Vivo Brand Vice President Deng Li.  “Additionally, Vivo will integrate our passion and understanding of the game of basketball into cutting-edge technology while bringing extraordinary experiences to NBA fans and Vivo consumers around the world.”

About NBA China

The NBA’s entity that conducts all of the league’s businesses in China was formed in January 2008 after its first office opened in Hong Kong in 1992.  The NBA currently has relationships with a network of television and digital media outlets in China, including a 30-plus year partnership with CCTV.  The league hosts hundreds of touring basketball events for fans, conducts community enrichment programs, and maintains marketing partnerships with a combination of world-class China-based corporations and U.S.-based multinationals.  

NBA licensed apparel and footwear are available through retail and authorized online stores on e-commerce and social media platforms, including NBAStore.cn, NBA.tmall.com, NBA.jd.com, NBAStore.hk and NBAStore.tw.  In 2004, the NBA became the first American professional sports league to play games in China.  Following NBA China Games 2018, 17 NBA teams will have played 26 games in China.

About Vivo

Vivo Mobile is a world leading manufacturer of personal smart devices and provider of mobile Internet services.  The Vivo brand has always adhered to the brand spirit of “Dare to Pursue the Extreme and Continue to Create Surprises” and is committed to creating an extraordinary digital lifestyle for consumers through “Technology” and “Fashion”.  Vivo upholds the core values of “Individual, Innovative and Consumer-oriented”, adheres to and implements sustainable development throughout the value chain and is committed to becoming a healthy and long-lasting world-class enterprise.

In 2016, Vivo became the official smartphone partner of NBA China and has conducted a series of exciting interactive activities to fans around the NBA China Games as part of its efforts to grow the brand in partnership with sports leagues and organizations.  In the future, Vivo will continue to explore its potential in sports, allowing consumers to better experience the excitement of sport through Vivo’s technology and products.